Chapter 1 - The Blueprint of RuinThe snow fell heavier over the iron gates of 44 Blackwood Ridge, dusting the shoulders of the guard in his black uniform. Malcolm Vance stood inside his idling black SUV, the dashboard clock glowing mockingly: 9:21 AM.
“You don’t understand,” Malcolm snapped, his voice tight with rising panic. He slammed his hand against the leather steering wheel. “I am the owner of this corporation—of this estate. Call the local authorities. Call Vance Merritt Partners. Tell them Malcolm Vance is at the gate.”
The guard didn’t blink. He reached into his coat pocket, retrieved a small tablet, and tapped it twice. “I don't need to call anyone, Mr. Vance. The new owner instructed me to give you a specific message if you arrived.”
Malcolm’s breath hitched. “What message?”
“She said: 'Tell him the corporate accounts are frozen, the board has been notified, and his personal baggage is currently floating in the fountain.'”
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Before Malcolm could process the sheer absurdity of the statement, a dull, metallic splash echoed from deep within the estate. Instinctively, Malcolm threw the SUV into reverse, slammed on the gas, and sped around the circular perimeter road toward the rear gardens.
He didn't care about the gate anymore. He cared about his empire.
